Tragedy, Fear and Call to Action

What would cause a man to slaughter people he's worked with, coworkers who'd thrown the couple a baby shower months earlier?

How can someone sit with coworkers to celebrate a holiday and, a short time later, murder them?

What parents would leave a six-month old, rather choosing death and destruction?

What would possess someone to take such cold, calculated steps to kill scores of strangers?

After 9/11, our nation was unified. Why, after this catastrophe, does our nation seem more fractured and polarized?

The senselessness of this event has cast a gloom over my life. I want to understand, but realize that we may never have all of the answers. I crave logic and order where it may not exist.

In lieu of answers, I'm tempted to offer solutions. Based on friends' posts, I'm not alone. Sadly, their proffered solutions show how polarized we are as a nation. Some want to curtail the availability of guns. Others want to restrict the freedom of a people-type. I know some may not agree with my characterization, and for that, I apologize. I understand the desire to offer solutions, but I resist it in myself.

This is a time for mourning. I want my moment of silence. I want to grieve for the 14 lives lost and countless lives permanently stained. I grieve for the 6-month old orphan of the murderous couple.

Image Credit: Jeremy Myers @ redeeminggod.com

And, I pray. I pray, not because I feel inept, but because it's the best thing any of us can do. I pray to draw closer to a Father who cares. I'm comforted with the assurance that He is in control. I pray, not to avoid other action, but as a way to humble myself and to remember that He is able and He is just. I pray, not so that He will fix this, but to remind myself that the solution has been in hand for over 2000 years. I pray because the hope our Father in Heaven offers is the only sure way to combat the tool of terrorism: fear.

Dear Heavenly Father, In the midst of tragedy, I seek Your comfort and the peace You offer. Lord, guard my heart so that I may respond with love and grace. May I submit to Your perfect justice and rest in the assurance of Your sovereignty. Lord, let our cravings for answers draw us to You. May Your promises of peace and salvation soothe our turbulent hearts. May we, as a nation, make wise choices, choices that honor You and Your righteousness. Lord, may Your Son return soon so that Your promises may be fulfilled. In His name I pray....